International Democracy, Global Governance, Federalism at the Global and Regional Level, UN Reform

Federalism

As a movement of world federalists, WFM-IGP has promoted federalism worldwide and nationally throughout our history. The principle of federalism stipulates that some policy matters fall under the authority of the national or international government while others are placed under the authority of local governments. WFM-IGP works closely with our Member Organizations, Associate Organizations and Individual Members in promoting federalism on a global level, as a system based on the principle of subsidiarity in which policy responsibility is shared between different levels of decision-makers. Our vision is that decisions must be taken at the lowest possible level; however, we recognize that some issues have to be dealt with globally. The current international structure gives too much power to national legislatures and not enough to local and international bodies. WFM-IGP supports the strengthening of international federalism institutions to ensure a collective effort for the common concern of peace, security and development while respecting and retaining the legitimate sovereign status of nation-states. We believe that representative bodies should be democratically elected and work to establish a UN Parliamentary Assembly to complement the appointed diplomats of the General Assembly. We work to ensure that these structures remain democratic and just. In recent decades, there have been more initiatives of regional federalism such as the European and African Union, and WFM-IGP supports the development of these regional federalist structures.

International Democracy

WFM-IGP believes that a growing number of global challenges transcend national boundaries and cannot be solved by any government acting alone. Transnational governance structures – with their increasing responsibilities and powers – need better mechanisms for transparency and more accountable leadership.

In response to these challenges, WFM-IGP strives to:

• Increase the transparency and accountability of decision-making in the UN and other international institutions;

• Advocate for more democratic and inclusive systems of governance in transnational mechanisms; and

• Mobilize civil society actors to participate in intergovernmental and transnational institutions. Through these efforts we hope to help the UN and other international institutions become more effective and deliver better results for people worldwide.

Capitalizing on WFM-IGP’s historic role as a convener of innovative civil society initiatives, WFM-IGP’s International Democratic Governance program currently focuses on UN reform proposals emerging from the 2005 World Summit: including Security Council reform, monitoring work of the Human Rights Council and Peacebuilding Commission and the newly established High level forum on sustainable development, advocates for a meaningful NGO relationship with UNWomen and ensures UNWomen delivers on the ground. IDG also monitors UN elections and appointments.

Restraining the veto

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“We have nothing to lose except everything. So let's go ahead. This is the wager of our generation. If we are to fail, it is better, in any case, to have stood on the side of those who choose life than on the side of those who are destroying it.”

Albert Camus, Author

"Unless some effective supranational government can be set up and brought quickly into action, the prospects of peace and human progress are dark and doubtful."

Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister

"There must be, not a balance of power, but a community of power; not organized rivalries, but an organized common peace."

President Woodrow Wilson

"World federation is an idea that will not die. More and more people are coming to realize that peace must be more than an interlude if we are to survive; that peace is a product of law and order; that law is essential if the force of arms is not to rule the world."

William O. Douglas, Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice

“Science has made unrestricted national sovereignty incompatible with human survival. The only possibilities are now world government or death.”

Bertrand Russell, Philosopher

"Few organisations have sustained for so long the ambition of a better world, united in peace and committed to the ideals of the United Nations. In particular, WFM's support for the International Criminal Court has been critical in building a constituency of civil society and government actors engaged in the pursuit of justice. 10 years into that effort, WFM has much to celebrate."

Hon. Louise Arbour C.C., G.O.Q., President and CEO of International Crisis Group

“A federation of all humanity, together with a sufficient means of social justice to ensure health, education, and a rough equality of opportunity, would mean such a release and increase of human energy as to open a new phase in human history.”

H.G. Wells, Author

“For nearly five decades the World Federalists have worked to promote a strengthened UN and more effective institutions of global governance. I offer my personal endorsement. Now a great opportunity has opened for the realization of the dreams of the UN's founders.”

Walter Cronkite, Broadcast journalist

“There is no salvation for civilization, or even the human race, other than the creation of a world government.”

Albert Einstein, Scientist

"Your Movement has helped keep alive for fifty years the values which inspired the creation of the United Nations: the vision of a world prepared to act together against armed aggression, social ills and global threats, and united in its promotion of economic and social progress for all."

Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan

“The work of the CICC, with like-minded states from around the world is a testament to what can be ac¬complished when civil society and governments work in partnership to bring about dramatic change.”

Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Laureate

"I send my very best wishes to all of you as you continue your important work in support of peace, justice and equality for all. Your credibility is well established and your voice is more important than ever in a world of increasing inequalities, continued injustices, and emerging conflicts. I believe as you do in the mobilization of civil society actors who exercise their fundamental right to participate in their own governance.”

The Honorable Louise Arbour

“I have great regard for the World Federalist Movement's efforts to advance international justice, human rights, peace and security, the freedom of expression, and sustainable development around the world. “